A master of the drop-goal, Hall overcame indifference to his talents from selectors to forge a successful career at fly-half and fullback for England in the immediate years following World War Two.

He began his rise to prominence while a student at St Mary's College, but concerns over his playmaking ability - although not his tactical nous as a kicker - led to a fitful time as England fly-half and captain.

He won 17 caps over nine seasons, an oddity attributable in part to the tendency of England selectors to begin the process of making choices anew each season and rely far more on the impressions offered in trial matches than any previous evidence.

He did not play at all in 1948, 1950, 1951 and 1954. He might not have played in 1949 or 1952 either, but on each occasion was in a Rest team that defeated England in the final trial. On each occasion Hall found himself precipitated into an England team, not only as a player, but as captain.